One of the many effects that the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting rules and regulations is a lack of childcare and uncertainty in children’s school schedules. While East Haven Public Schools is currently in school full-time, it can be switched at any time to a hybrid model or a full remote model depending on numbers.

When school closed down last March, it also closed the before- and after-school program run by the Board of Education. Town officials in East Haven began exploring different options to help families navigate childcare during COVID. The Town of East Haven teamed up with the Soundview YMCA and began a new before- and after-school program on Nov. 4.

“We had this opportunity with the YMCA to fill the void left by the Compass program not being offered this year due to COVID,” said Michelle Benivegna, assistant director of administration & management for the Town of East Haven. “COVID sparked the partnership because there was a need for before- and after-care and the Y offered to step in to fill this void through town.”

Over the past several months, town officials and representatives from the YMCA have met to discuss details. The Town of East Haven was able to make use of Hayes School building, which the town has been maintaining, though it’s no longer used as a school. The YMCA began with three classrooms in the building.

“It can expand from there based on enrollment,” said Benivegna. “Through our conversations and meetings, we realized they had a lot to bring to table and we were fortunate to have this space available.”

Hayes will operate as a satellite location of the Soundview YMCA, which will allow it to continue to run even if a change in numbers forces a change in the school schedule. In the case of moving to a hybrid or full remote schedule, the YMCA would expand its childcare offerings to include those times.

The YMCA will also offer childcare and camps on snow days, vacation days, and over the summer. Benivegna noted that the partnership not only offers a solution to the childcare issues that many families are facing, but offers a cost savings to the town over the town running its own camp.

In the event that schools move to a hybrid or remote plan, students will bring their devices so they can use their times at Hayes to complete their virtual learning. All of the teachers will be employees of the Soundview YMCA and will follow the protocols and guidelines set forth by the East Shore District Health Department, including temperature checks and health screenings.

“The YMCA is the number-one childcare provider in the country,” said Benivegna. “The YMCA has such high standards for COVID that they are one of few organizations that were able to offer a safe and successful summer program.

“Being able operate if the school close is a huge benefit for families who are panicked that they still need to go to work,” she added. “They need childcare and the students need to have their academic needs met. They’ll have WiFi and support to help guide them through activities.”

As in school, mask breaks will be incorporated into the day. There will also be other activities planned and time outside whenever possible. Anyone interested in the program can contact the Soundview YMCA at 203-481-9622. Financial aid is available and the YMCA accepts Connecticut Cares 4 Kids.

The partnership is not limited to childcare. There are plans in the works to offer other classes to the community as well, including Zumba, book clubs, knitting, programs for seniors, classes for children and caregivers, and a Youth Leadership Program that aims to connect students with volunteer work and community events.

“We will be able to offer great array of programming for residents, but it will be brought in in sections based on safety and health guidelines,” said Benivegna. “One of the most exciting things that recently came to fruition is the opportunity help children and families in the community to have outlets they’ve never had. This is something to allow residents from young children to our seniors to have opportunities they never had before. It’s a huge thing for the town and we’re excited about.”

For information, contact the Soundview YMCA at 203-481-9622.